Planning for an IVF Cycle?
Timing Matters!
Acupuncture can be used as a natural way to support your body during an IVF cycle. At the Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture, we offer a targeted, evidence based IVF acupuncture protocol designed to work in sync with your cycle. Our goal: to improve egg quality, reduce medication side effects, support implantation, and help you feel more balanced every step of the way.
Whether you’re preparing for your first IVF cycle or continuing on your journey, our personalized approach aligns with each phase of your treatment for optimal support.
Benefits of Acupuncture During IVF
Our IVF-focused acupuncture protocol helps to:
✔️ Improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
✔️ Support egg quality and follicle development
✔️ Regulate hormones and promote ovarian response
✔️ Reduce side effects like bloating, fatigue, or mood swings
✔️ Ease stress and emotional tension throughout the cycle
✔️ Relieve post operative pain after egg retrieval
✔️ Improve uterine lining receptivity
✔️ Reduce uterine contractions during transfer
✔️ Ease anxiety and stress throughout the process
✔️ Support implantation and early pregnancy
We work alongside your fertility clinic’s treatment plan to provide safe, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
Make An Appointment
By appointment only. You can schedule via phone, email, or schedule online.
Cancellation Policy: We take special care in finding the best appointment time for your cycle and schedule. If you need to cancel for any reason, please give 24 hours notice. If you are unable to give us this notice, you may be charged a $50 cancellation fee to be paid before your next appointment.
Our IVF Acupuncture Protocol
Preconception Phase - Starting 1-3 Months Before Retrieval
Goal: Build a strong foundation for healthy egg development
Weekly acupuncture treatments help regulate your cycle, balance hormones, improve blood flow to the ovaries, and support optimal follicle and egg development in advance of stimulation.
We recommend starting 3 months prior to the cycle if there are concerns regarding egg or embryo quality.
More information about when to start acupuncture for IVF here.
Stimulation Phase - While Taking Stimulation Medications
Goal: Enhance follicle growth and reduce medication side effects
During ovarian stimulation, we recommend twice-weekly sessions to increase circulation to the ovaries, support egg maturation, and minimize common side effects—while keeping your nervous system calm and grounded.
Post-Retrieval Recovery - After Egg Retrieval (As needed)
Goal: Promote healing and reduce discomfort
Post-retrieval acupuncture can relieve abdominal swelling, cramping, or bloating. It also supports your emotional well-being and helps you recover quickly for the next phase of your IVF journey.
🗓️ We recommend beginning acupuncture at least 1–3 months before your IVF cycle starts. Contact us to schedule appointments that align with your timeline.
Day of Transfer (24 Hours Before & After)
Goal: Support implantation and reduce uterine contractions
We schedule two acupuncture sessions within 24 hours of transfer—one before and one after. These treatments help reduce uterine contractions, improve implantation conditions, and support emotional relaxation.
Post-Transfer Support (5–7 Days Later)
Goal: Nurture early pregnancy during the implantation window
A final session during the implantation window can help support optimal uterine conditions, reduce anxiety, and support your body’s natural efforts during this critical time.
🗓️ Be sure to contact us when you receive your transfer date so we can put you on our transfer calendar. Once you get your exact transfer time, we can schedule your specific appointment times.
Fertility Acupuncture Experts in Knoxville, TN
Located on Ebenezer Road in Knoxville, we support individuals and couples across East Tennessee with personalized acupuncture for IVF, IUI, natural cycles, and more. We regularly coordinate with the treatment plans of local fertility clinics and reproductive endocrinologists to ensure your acupuncture plan is fully aligned with your cycle.
Ready to Support Your IVF Cycle—Naturally?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective way to support your body and mind through the intensity of IVF. With expert care and precise timing, it can help improve your outcomes and reduce your stress along the way.
Make an appointment today and let us help you feel your best throughout your IVF cycle.
Sarah exceeded my expectations, and this was my first visit. She created a safe place for me to feel comfortable to open up. She was very knowledgeable, open and honest with me. I would highly recommend Sarah!
— Stephanie D.Alex has been so kind, warm, and caring from the beginning of my journey with Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture. You are in great hands with her. The highlight of my week!
— Falon S.I truly can’t say enough good things about my experience here. After going through two losses, I started fertility acupuncture and within just a few months I was not only able to conceive, but also maintain a healthy pregnancy. The care and support I received made such a difference during a really emotional time.
— Danni B.Sarah and her team have curated the kindest, warmest, safest atmosphere which is so important when going through infertility and pregnancy. They are great listeners, so knowledgeable about the fertility world and can really help you stay sane during the process. I can’t recommend them enough and have been so grateful for Sarah and her team though infertility, loss and eventually pregnancy.
— Kathryn B.Frequently Asked Questions
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Ideally, we recommend starting acupuncture 3 months before your IVF cycle. This allows time to regulate your hormones, improve blood flow to the ovaries, and support optimal egg development. However, starting closer to your cycle can still provide significant benefits.
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During ovarian stimulation (while taking IVF medications), we suggest twice-weekly treatments. These sessions help support follicle growth, reduce medication side effects, and keep you relaxed throughout this high-stress phase.
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Yes. Post-retrieval acupuncture can ease abdominal discomfort, reduce bloating or swelling, and support your body’s recovery. We offer as-needed treatments after retrieval to help you feel more comfortable and balanced.
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Yes! Once we have an idea of when your trasnfer will be, we’ll put you on our transfer calendar. Once you get your transfer time, let us know and we’ll coordinate your appointment times accounting for medications, travel time, and other logistics.
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While we do have specific treatment protocols designed to provide the most benefit based on current research, there is evidence that acupuncture can be helpful at any point in the cycle.
If you are in the middle of a cycle, please give us a call and we’ll talk about your cycle timeline and come up with a treatment plan that will optimize the treatments we are able to do.